Addiction Therapists in Chattanooga, TN

Photo of Adam Barfoot, LPC, MEd, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adam Barfoot
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, MHSP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37415
I enjoy helping my clients build resilience, hope, and courage in their lives. I work with adults and teenagers who are seeking to improve their responses to stress, anxiety, and adversity. My specialties include helping people improve their emotional intelligence, helping people strengthen their recovery from addiction, and working with athletes who want to improve their mental health and performance. Improving our mental health directly affects our performance, whether we are on the sports field, in the gym, at school, at home, or our workplace.
I enjoy helping my clients build resilience, hope, and courage in their lives. I work with adults and teenagers who are seeking to improve their responses to stress, anxiety, and adversity. My specialties include helping people improve their emotional intelligence, helping people strengthen their recovery from addiction, and working with athletes who want to improve their mental health and performance. Improving our mental health directly affects our performance, whether we are on the sports field, in the gym, at school, at home, or our workplace.
(423) 589-1675 View (423) 589-1675
Photo of Naomi Boothe, LPC, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Naomi Boothe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I have additional training and experience with trauma, addiction and recovery, marriage and family therapy, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, mood regulation.
I acknowledge and respect the effort it takes to reach out for help. The strength it takes to say "enough!, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired". The courage it takes to choose towards something more, something better, than where you are at right now. Thank you for being here! What if every wrongness was a strength not yet acknowledged? You are stronger than you think and worth so much more than you can imagine. The fact that you are reading this right now is proof of that!
I have additional training and experience with trauma, addiction and recovery, marriage and family therapy, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, mood regulation.
I acknowledge and respect the effort it takes to reach out for help. The strength it takes to say "enough!, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired". The courage it takes to choose towards something more, something better, than where you are at right now. Thank you for being here! What if every wrongness was a strength not yet acknowledged? You are stronger than you think and worth so much more than you can imagine. The fact that you are reading this right now is proof of that!
(423) 218-4314 View (423) 218-4314
Photo of Emily J Dungey, LCPC, LPCMHSP, LMHC, CSAT, CPTT, Counselor
Emily J Dungey
Counselor, LCPC, LPCMHSP, LMHC, CSAT, CPTT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37412
Are you struggling with addiction or navigating the trials of your life? Are you trying to find balance in your life again or for the first time? I love working with clients who are motivated for change and are willing to put in the hard work and helping clients solve puzzles and find what they need and want in their lives. I also welcome any partners or family members of those struggling with addictions as it can be a difficult path through that trauma. I find fulfillment working with those who find recovery from addiction and partners and family members who have been betrayed and hurt by the addiction of someone they love.
Are you struggling with addiction or navigating the trials of your life? Are you trying to find balance in your life again or for the first time? I love working with clients who are motivated for change and are willing to put in the hard work and helping clients solve puzzles and find what they need and want in their lives. I also welcome any partners or family members of those struggling with addictions as it can be a difficult path through that trauma. I find fulfillment working with those who find recovery from addiction and partners and family members who have been betrayed and hurt by the addiction of someone they love.
(423) 205-5873 View (423) 205-5873
Photo of Lauren Elise Peterson, MS, BC-DMT, RYT-200
Lauren Elise Peterson
MS, BC-DMT, RYT-200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37409  (Online Only)
I work with adults who are seeking greater connection to their bodies and innate creativity. Adults seeking personal transformation will develop their intuition and enhance their connection to self and others through dance/movement therapy. Whether someone has never danced before or has a movement background, this work can help heal trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Many clients wonder if this is doable in telehealth, and it is! We also use a great deal of talking, implementing coping skills, optional homework, and EMDR when appropriate.
I work with adults who are seeking greater connection to their bodies and innate creativity. Adults seeking personal transformation will develop their intuition and enhance their connection to self and others through dance/movement therapy. Whether someone has never danced before or has a movement background, this work can help heal trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Many clients wonder if this is doable in telehealth, and it is! We also use a great deal of talking, implementing coping skills, optional homework, and EMDR when appropriate.
(423) 436-7839 View (423) 436-7839
Photo of Alex Wright, LPC, MHSP, CSAT
Alex Wright
LPC, MHSP, CSAT
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with over 15 years experience working with substance misuse, sexual compulsivity, and trauma, I offer expertise and compassion to those untangling their personal web of suffering.
Are you exhausted from living with substance misuse, sexual compulsivity, or the pain of trauma? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to help? Having an experienced guide to help navigate the challenges in your healing journey can make all the difference. No matter the trauma or the shape addiction takes (drugs, alcohol, sex, porn, etc.), healing depends on addressing the underlying issues and restoring connection to our bodies, ourselves, others, and the world. As you begin to heal, the need to engage in addictive behavior lessens, ultimately resulting in natural, lifelong recovery.
As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with over 15 years experience working with substance misuse, sexual compulsivity, and trauma, I offer expertise and compassion to those untangling their personal web of suffering.
Are you exhausted from living with substance misuse, sexual compulsivity, or the pain of trauma? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to help? Having an experienced guide to help navigate the challenges in your healing journey can make all the difference. No matter the trauma or the shape addiction takes (drugs, alcohol, sex, porn, etc.), healing depends on addressing the underlying issues and restoring connection to our bodies, ourselves, others, and the world. As you begin to heal, the need to engage in addictive behavior lessens, ultimately resulting in natural, lifelong recovery.
(423) 436-8210 View (423) 436-8210
Photo of Tomorrow Arnold, PhD
Tomorrow Arnold
PhD
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37411  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults including older adults (65+) who are experiencing challenges with depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, substance use, psychosis, aging-related concerns, chronic illness, memory, life transitions, interpersonal difficulties, and grief, loss & bereavement.
I am passionate about assisting clients in cultivating resilience, fostering meaningful connections, and achieving self-fulfillment in the face of life’s challenges. I have experience serving adult clients in intensive outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization settings where I provided individual and group therapy. In my practice, I employ therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and skills training to help clients achieve their goals. My integrated approach fosters well-being across physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions, collaborating closely with clients to achieve fulfilling life goals.
I specialize in helping adults including older adults (65+) who are experiencing challenges with depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, substance use, psychosis, aging-related concerns, chronic illness, memory, life transitions, interpersonal difficulties, and grief, loss & bereavement.
I am passionate about assisting clients in cultivating resilience, fostering meaningful connections, and achieving self-fulfillment in the face of life’s challenges. I have experience serving adult clients in intensive outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization settings where I provided individual and group therapy. In my practice, I employ therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and skills training to help clients achieve their goals. My integrated approach fosters well-being across physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions, collaborating closely with clients to achieve fulfilling life goals.
(423) 395-2231 View (423) 395-2231
Photo of Kelsey Dupree, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelsey Dupree
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
I have several years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues, including addiction, severe and persistent mental health disorders, family systems, domestic violence situations, trauma, along with others.
There are several things in my life which drive me to be a counselor. My own past with it struggles, acceptances, failures, and successes drive me to do what I do. I am able to sit in dark places, empathize with struggle and loneliness, and challenge ways of thinking and behaving from a non-judgmental place. I love the unique position a counselor has to problem solve through the failures, walk the uphill road to recovery, and celebrate the success and growth that comes out of the journey.
I have several years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues, including addiction, severe and persistent mental health disorders, family systems, domestic violence situations, trauma, along with others.
There are several things in my life which drive me to be a counselor. My own past with it struggles, acceptances, failures, and successes drive me to do what I do. I am able to sit in dark places, empathize with struggle and loneliness, and challenge ways of thinking and behaving from a non-judgmental place. I love the unique position a counselor has to problem solve through the failures, walk the uphill road to recovery, and celebrate the success and growth that comes out of the journey.
(470) 768-9215 View (470) 768-9215
Photo of Jay L Armstrong, MA, S/T, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jay L Armstrong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, S/T
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
I offer professional counseling services to males aged 10-60+ who deal with anger issues, healthy relationships, effective communication, assertiveness, self-confidence, career counseling, substance dependency, grief and trauma, depression and behavioral issues from a distinctly male perspective and viewpoint.
It's not very often that males are encouraged to seek help when dealing with the challenges of life. As a result, we resort to age-old adages that tell us to ignore the pain, 'man up', and soldier through it. But the fact of the matter is that we feel, we suffer, and we hurt and it has nothing to do with being a man and everything to do with being a human being. Men want healthy relationships, we want to be happy, we want to feel in control of our lives and be fulfilled. Taking the step towards mental health is an integral part of this process.
I offer professional counseling services to males aged 10-60+ who deal with anger issues, healthy relationships, effective communication, assertiveness, self-confidence, career counseling, substance dependency, grief and trauma, depression and behavioral issues from a distinctly male perspective and viewpoint.
It's not very often that males are encouraged to seek help when dealing with the challenges of life. As a result, we resort to age-old adages that tell us to ignore the pain, 'man up', and soldier through it. But the fact of the matter is that we feel, we suffer, and we hurt and it has nothing to do with being a man and everything to do with being a human being. Men want healthy relationships, we want to be happy, we want to feel in control of our lives and be fulfilled. Taking the step towards mental health is an integral part of this process.
(423) 380-1259 View (423) 380-1259
Photo of Nathan Chase, LCPC-IL, LPCMHSP, CADC
Nathan Chase
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC-IL, LPCMHSP, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37412
Waitlist for new clients
Nathan has a pursued a career of inviting others into safety, healing, and growth through counseling, chaplaincy, and mentoring. He is licensed in both Illinois (Telehealth) and Tennessee (in-person and telehealth). Experienced in working with multiple varieties of trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.
Nathan has a pursued a career of inviting others into safety, healing, and growth through counseling, chaplaincy, and mentoring. He is licensed in both Illinois (Telehealth) and Tennessee (in-person and telehealth). Experienced in working with multiple varieties of trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.
(423) 556-4742 x114 View (423) 556-4742 x114
Photo of Laura Elizabeth Cartwright, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Elizabeth Cartwright
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, I hear you. If you want to make changes to live a happier and healthier life, I can help you do that! I don't tell people what I think they should do; I work collaboratively with folks to make small changes that add up so you can reach your goals, feel proud of yourself, and add to your coping skill toolbox. I am a licensed professional counselor with 10 years of experience working with a wide variety of clients and concerns, primarily in an acute care hospital setting. I'm not intimidated by mood swings, intrusive thoughts, anger, or substance use. You won't be "too much" for me.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, I hear you. If you want to make changes to live a happier and healthier life, I can help you do that! I don't tell people what I think they should do; I work collaboratively with folks to make small changes that add up so you can reach your goals, feel proud of yourself, and add to your coping skill toolbox. I am a licensed professional counselor with 10 years of experience working with a wide variety of clients and concerns, primarily in an acute care hospital setting. I'm not intimidated by mood swings, intrusive thoughts, anger, or substance use. You won't be "too much" for me.
(423) 212-8374 View (423) 212-8374
Photo of Travis D Hutchinson, Pastoral Counselor
Travis D Hutchinson
Pastoral Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37408
I love introducing people to Gospel freedom and hope. My background in substance abuse counseling included a strong emphasis on family systems. My work as a pastor gave me an opportunity to take an understanding of systems and brokenness and apply it to marriages and families. Working for a decade in a school deepened my experience with crisis intervention, grief, trauma, and the wonderful ways connecting with creation can be part of God’s healing grace in our lives.
I love introducing people to Gospel freedom and hope. My background in substance abuse counseling included a strong emphasis on family systems. My work as a pastor gave me an opportunity to take an understanding of systems and brokenness and apply it to marriages and families. Working for a decade in a school deepened my experience with crisis intervention, grief, trauma, and the wonderful ways connecting with creation can be part of God’s healing grace in our lives.
(423) 345-8609 View (423) 345-8609
Photo of Nadine Steele, LADAC, ICADC, CADC-II, SAP, NCLC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Nadine Steele
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LADAC, ICADC, CADC-II, SAP, NCLC
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37415
If you're feeling overwhelmed, Steele Recovery Addiction Support Services may be what you need. My name is Nadine Steele and I am a licensed/certified Addiction Counselor & Coach for men, women & families. Since 1995 I have worked in the field of addiction from residential to drug court. We know there are many problems that addiction brings and we want to help by offering support in various modalities. Let me know if we can help.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, Steele Recovery Addiction Support Services may be what you need. My name is Nadine Steele and I am a licensed/certified Addiction Counselor & Coach for men, women & families. Since 1995 I have worked in the field of addiction from residential to drug court. We know there are many problems that addiction brings and we want to help by offering support in various modalities. Let me know if we can help.
(423) 455-5644 View (423) 455-5644
Photo of Aubrey Perin, LPC, -MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Aubrey Perin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, -MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
With experience in treating acute eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, and substance abuse, I offer a compassionate and specialized approach to healing in these areas and others as we work together to uncover unhelpful patterns, unpack past beliefs, and construct new ways of thinking to find presence and peace in who you are.
Life is a journey you take toward owning your story. Unfortunately, we often encounter obstacles that distort our perspective and hinder our ability to see ourselves accurately and move toward the things that bring us the most joy and peace. Whether you’ve been derailed by traumatic life events, disordered eating, depression and anxiety, addiction, grief, spiritual abuse, or other life altering transitions, it is my belief that you have the strength and resiliency to find a meaningful life living into the fullest expression of who you are.
With experience in treating acute eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, and substance abuse, I offer a compassionate and specialized approach to healing in these areas and others as we work together to uncover unhelpful patterns, unpack past beliefs, and construct new ways of thinking to find presence and peace in who you are.
Life is a journey you take toward owning your story. Unfortunately, we often encounter obstacles that distort our perspective and hinder our ability to see ourselves accurately and move toward the things that bring us the most joy and peace. Whether you’ve been derailed by traumatic life events, disordered eating, depression and anxiety, addiction, grief, spiritual abuse, or other life altering transitions, it is my belief that you have the strength and resiliency to find a meaningful life living into the fullest expression of who you are.
(423) 214-2173 View (423) 214-2173
Photo of Rebecca Delaney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Delaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421  (Online Only)
I have experience helping individuals living with substance misuse, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ specific issues, negative self-esteem, stress, and life transitions.
Do you feel like you are in a rut? Are you struggling to overcome a habit? Do you want to make improvements but do not know where to start? Are you struggling with negative thoughts about yourself? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to them! I provide telehealth therapy for those in the state of TN. I strive to provide a safe and accepting environment for you to overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to you.
I have experience helping individuals living with substance misuse, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ specific issues, negative self-esteem, stress, and life transitions.
Do you feel like you are in a rut? Are you struggling to overcome a habit? Do you want to make improvements but do not know where to start? Are you struggling with negative thoughts about yourself? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to them! I provide telehealth therapy for those in the state of TN. I strive to provide a safe and accepting environment for you to overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to you.
(865) 345-2968 View (865) 345-2968
Photo of Ashley Maag, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Maag
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419  (Online Only)
Are you stuck repeating unhealthy patterns? Are you trying to figure out life after trauma? Maybe adjusting to a serious injury or diagnosis? As the director of With Purpose Counseling & Therapy, LLC I can help you address addiction, trauma, depression and other obstacles that may be in your way. Take the brave step today, Do Life With Purpose.
Are you stuck repeating unhealthy patterns? Are you trying to figure out life after trauma? Maybe adjusting to a serious injury or diagnosis? As the director of With Purpose Counseling & Therapy, LLC I can help you address addiction, trauma, depression and other obstacles that may be in your way. Take the brave step today, Do Life With Purpose.
(423) 295-7713 View (423) 295-7713
Photo of Mike Waldrop, MDiv, LMFT, MAC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mike Waldrop
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, LMFT, MAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
I am also a certified Master Addiction Counselor.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 30 years of experience of working in the counseling field. My desire is to help individuals, couples, and families in their pursuit of healthy emotional living. In those 30 years, I have had the opportunity to work in several settings- school, church, a psychiatric hospital, and an intensive outpatient program.
I am also a certified Master Addiction Counselor.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 30 years of experience of working in the counseling field. My desire is to help individuals, couples, and families in their pursuit of healthy emotional living. In those 30 years, I have had the opportunity to work in several settings- school, church, a psychiatric hospital, and an intensive outpatient program.
(423) 888-0302 View (423) 888-0302
Photo of Chris (Charlotte) Lawless Buchanan, LADACII, NCAC-I, CAC, QCS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Chris (Charlotte) Lawless Buchanan
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LADACII, NCAC-I, CAC, QCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37401  (Online Only)
Life is an adventure, sometimes interrupted by substance use disorders.
I have built my practice believing that everyone deserves a second chance, respect, peace and happiness. My purpose is to assist and support you while you reach YOUR goals. Life can be challenging at times. Seeking to restore balance and harmony in your daily life takes effort and courage. Successful outcomes are possible. Helping you adopt tools and skills to achieve a peaceful mind, healthy marriage/relationship, and your best life is our ambition. Call us. We are waiting to help.
Life is an adventure, sometimes interrupted by substance use disorders.
I have built my practice believing that everyone deserves a second chance, respect, peace and happiness. My purpose is to assist and support you while you reach YOUR goals. Life can be challenging at times. Seeking to restore balance and harmony in your daily life takes effort and courage. Successful outcomes are possible. Helping you adopt tools and skills to achieve a peaceful mind, healthy marriage/relationship, and your best life is our ambition. Call us. We are waiting to help.
(615) 823-6051 View (615) 823-6051
Photo of Codi Dawn Kyle, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Codi Dawn Kyle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37401  (Online Only)
I can help with symptom reduction from anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts and mood swings, etc. As well as help improve your coping skills, increase awareness, improve self esteem and self confidence, interpersonal relationships, better work life balance, recovery from substance abuse and overall wellbeing and quality of life, etc.
I can help with symptom reduction from anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts and mood swings, etc. As well as help improve your coping skills, increase awareness, improve self esteem and self confidence, interpersonal relationships, better work life balance, recovery from substance abuse and overall wellbeing and quality of life, etc.
(865) 375-8089 View (865) 375-8089
Photo of James Brook, LCSW, LICSW, LCADC, CAADC, CCATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
James Brook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCADC, CAADC, CCATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37401  (Online Only)
My specialties are in the areas of anxiety, addiction, stress, sleep issues, and Veterans' issues (not including PTSD).
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Hi! I am excited you are here. Therapy is not magic. A secret word or a snap of the fingers does not solve our issues. Reaching out for help takes an extraordinary amount of inner strength and desire to be your best self. It takes hard work to make changes in our lives. Congratulations on valuing yourself enough to commit yourself to doing the hard work. My therapeutic style is eclectic, utilizing CBT, Solution-Focused & Strengths-based interventions. The ideal client is willing to be challenged & open to new ideas that change requires.
My specialties are in the areas of anxiety, addiction, stress, sleep issues, and Veterans' issues (not including PTSD).
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Hi! I am excited you are here. Therapy is not magic. A secret word or a snap of the fingers does not solve our issues. Reaching out for help takes an extraordinary amount of inner strength and desire to be your best self. It takes hard work to make changes in our lives. Congratulations on valuing yourself enough to commit yourself to doing the hard work. My therapeutic style is eclectic, utilizing CBT, Solution-Focused & Strengths-based interventions. The ideal client is willing to be challenged & open to new ideas that change requires.
(762) 247-4031 View (762) 247-4031
Photo of William A Wray, EdD, Psychologist
William A Wray
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Biofeedback has been clinically demonstrated to improve success with addiction recovery, reduce frequency of migraine headaches, and stabilize cardiac rhythm.
I provide counseling and consultative services. With the help of my colleague, Mark Shively, we also provide training using biofeedback technology. As a counselor, my role is to listen, discern strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth/advancement from those placing trust in my care. As a consultant, I strive to provide fair/impartial answers (in the manner of a scientist) to posed questions. Cognitive-behavioral training can address many thought patterns, behaviors and physiological states (such as stress).
Biofeedback has been clinically demonstrated to improve success with addiction recovery, reduce frequency of migraine headaches, and stabilize cardiac rhythm.
I provide counseling and consultative services. With the help of my colleague, Mark Shively, we also provide training using biofeedback technology. As a counselor, my role is to listen, discern strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth/advancement from those placing trust in my care. As a consultant, I strive to provide fair/impartial answers (in the manner of a scientist) to posed questions. Cognitive-behavioral training can address many thought patterns, behaviors and physiological states (such as stress).
(423) 212-4580 View (423) 212-4580

Addiction Therapists

What is the best therapy for addiction?

Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.

How long does therapy for addiction take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?

Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.

How can you get addiction treatment for someone?

The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.